Systems and methods for a micro-adjustable traction element for footwear

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of a system and associated method for a micro-adjustable traction element are disclosed herein. The micro-adjustable traction element system includes an outsole for positioning along a substrate of a shoe. The outsole secures a traction element to the outsole while enabling positional micro-adjustment of the traction element along the outsole. In one embodiment of the micro-adjustable traction element system, for each traction element positioned along the outsole, the outsole includes a receiver element configured for variable positioning within a pocket of the outsole to receive the traction element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application that claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/196,313 filed 3 Jun. 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to traction elements for athletic footwear, and in particular to a micro-adjustable traction element system for engagement with a shoe for fine adjustment of the traction element position along the outsole of the shoe.

BACKGROUND

Many athletic shoes incorporate traction elements on an outsole of the shoe. However, many of these traction elements are affixed to an outsole of the shoe with no option to adjust the position of each of the traction elements. This can affect performance, as some high-performance athletes need precision with regards to how a shoe fits around their foot, the precise position of the traction elements, and how the foot interacts with the ground when running, jumping, or otherwise performing their sport. Thus, an opportunity to custom adjust the positioning of such traction elements on outsoles by the user that is responsive to the unique foot shape, running style, or other aspects of a high-performance athlete would be highly desired.

It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are respective side exploded and bottom perspective exploded views showing a micro-adjustable traction element system;

FIGS. 2A-2G are a series of perspective views showing a micro-adjustable traction element system showing different positions of a traction element with respect to a base;

FIG. 2H is a diagram showing different positions of the traction element with respect to a slot;

FIGS. 3A-3G are a series of bottom views showing different positions of a receiver element and the traction element of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIGS. 4A-4G are a series of bottom views showing a plurality of different spacer elements adjusting a position of the traction element of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIGS. 5A-5G are a series of cross-sectional side views showing the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIGS. 6A-6G are a series of side views showing engagement of the traction element and the receiver element with each of the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the receiver element of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIGS. 7B-7E are respective top, side, side cross-sectional and bottom views of the receiver element of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the traction element of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIG. 8B is a top view showing the traction element of FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 8C and 8D are side views showing the traction element of FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 9A-9G are a series of top perspective views showing the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G;

FIGS. 10A-10G are a series of bottom perspective views showing the plurality of spacer elements of FIGS. 9A-9G;

FIGS. 11A-11G are a series of side views showing the plurality of spacer elements of FIGS. 9A-9G;

FIGS. 12A-12G are a series of bottom views showing the plurality of spacer elements of FIGS. 9A-9G;

FIGS. 13A-13G are a series of top perspective views showing the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 9A-9G engaged with the receiver element of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 14A-14G are a series of bottom perspective views showing the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 9A-9G engaged with the receiver element of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 15A-15G are a series of side views showing the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 9A-9G engaged with the receiver element of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 16A-16G are a series of bottom views showing the plurality of spacer elements of the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 9A-9G engaged with the receiver element of FIG. 7A, with the receiver element in phantom;

FIGS. 17A-17G are a series of perspective views showing micro-adjustable traction element system of FIGS. 2A-2G for the plurality of spacer elements and engaged within an outsole of a shoe;

FIG. 18A is a bottom perspective view showing the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIG. 1A engaged within the outsole of FIG. 17A; and

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional side view showing the micro-adjustable traction element system of FIG. 1A engaged within the outsole of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an engagement of the receiver element of FIG. 7A with the outsole of FIG. 17A; and

FIGS. 20A-20G are a series of top views showing variable positioning of the receiver element of FIG. 7A within the outsole of FIG. 17A.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the figures do not limit the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of a micro-adjustable traction element system for a shoe are disclosed herein. The micro-adjustable traction element system includes an outsole for positioning along a substrate of a shoe. The outsole secures a traction element to the outsole while enabling positional micro-adjustment of the traction element along the outsole. In one embodiment of the micro-adjustable traction element system, for each traction element positioned along the outsole, the outsole includes a receiver element configured for disposal within a pocket of the outsole to receive the traction element. In particular, the receiver element is configured for variable longitudinal positioning along a slot formed by the pocket within the outsole to secure the traction element at a selected position along the slot. In some embodiments, the receiver element is further configured to engage a spacer element that secures the receiver element at a fixed position within the outsole in an interlocking arrangement when coupled with the spacer element. As will be discussed herein, the spacer element can be one of a plurality of spacer elements, with each respective spacer element being configured to secure the receiver element at a unique position along the slot. In one aspect, each individual spacer element is configured to secure the receiver element at a different longitudinal location along the slot. In another aspect, the spacer element is configured to couple within the slot, thereby preventing movement of the receiver element along the slot and providing structural support for the traction element. In another aspect, the receiver element is configured for variable positioning along the slot and as a result, secures the traction element at a selected position along the slot. As such, an athlete can micro-incrementally position each individual traction element at a selected position along the surface of the outsole to customize the positioning of one or more traction elements to a desired location.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-5G, a micro-adjustable traction element system 100 (hereinafter, “system 100”) provides an outsole 106 defined along a bottom of a shoe. The outsole 106 defines a planar surface 161 including a plurality of slots 163 that each receive a respective traction element 102 of a plurality of traction elements 102. The system 100 enables positional micro-adjustment of each respective traction element 102 along the outsole 106. Each slot 163 of the plurality of slots 163 along the outsole 106 communicates with a respective pocket 162 within the outsole, each pocket 162 respectively defining an elongated cavity 166. In some embodiments, each respective slot 163 along the outsole 106 can be described as generally “pill-shaped” (e.g., an oval with two parallel sides) and establishes communication between an exterior of the outsole 106 and the elongated cavity 166 of each respective pocket 162.

For each respective pocket 162 of the plurality of pockets 162 along the outsole 106, the system 100 includes a receiver element 108 that couples a respective traction element 102 of the plurality of traction elements 102 at a selected position along the outsole 106. In particular, the receiver element 108 seats within a respective pocket 162 of the plurality of pockets 162 for capturing the traction element 102 along the outsole 106. The receiver element 108 is sized such that the receiver element 108 can “slide” within the elongated cavity 166 of the pocket 162 in a first longitudinal direction or a second longitudinal direction. The receiver element 108 includes a threaded aperture 182 that couples directly with the traction element 102 to capture the traction element 102 at a selected position along the outsole 106.

In some embodiments, for improved structural integrity of the system 100, the receiver element 108 couples with a respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D of a plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 to fix the receiver element 108 at the selected position within the elongated cavity 166 and along the outsole 106. Each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D has a unique footprint that fixes the receiver element 108 at a unique position along the slot 163. In a primary embodiment, the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 are reversible. Note that while various embodiments herein show three variations of the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040, other embodiments are contemplated that include more than three variations to enable further micro-adjustment of the system 100. Each spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D of the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 couples to a respective receiver element 108 and within the slot 163 to prevent the receiver element 108 from moving away from the selected position within the slot 163 when in use. The spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D ultimately determines a fixed position of the receiver element 108 along the slot 163, which in turn determines a fixed position of the traction element 102. To enable a user to select the fixed position of the traction element 102 and the receiver element 108, the system provides a plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 that each have a unique footprint that the user can select based on their unique needs.

For example, with specific reference to FIGS. 1A-2A and 3A, for the slot 163 along the outsole 106 having the receiver element 108 disposed therein, the user can select a first spacer element 104A that is most appropriate to secure the receiver element 108 at the selected position along the slot 163 and can then couple the first spacer element 104A with the receiver element 108 along the slot 163. The first spacer element 104A fixes the receiver element 108 at a selected position (e.g., a first proximal position A shown in FIG. 2H) along the slot 163; the receiver element 108 can then capture the traction element 102 at the selected position along the slot 163.

As such, for each traction element 102 of the plurality of traction elements 102, the user can select the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D that fixes or otherwise secures the receiver element 108 at the selected position along the associated slot 163 along the outsole 106. The traction element 102 and the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D can also decouple from the outsole 106 to adjust the position of the traction element 102 along the outsole. In this manner, the user can position and adjust each respective traction element 102 of the plurality of traction elements 102 along the outsole 106 to fit their specific needs.

Configurations

FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A illustrate a first configuration 101A of the system 100 including the first spacer element 104A engaged within the slot 163 of the outsole 106 and traction element 102. FIG. 2A shows an engagement of the spacer element 104A and the receiver element 108 within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106 that fixes the position of the traction element 102 at the first proximal position A (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 2A also illustrates the receiver element 108 for engagement with the traction element 102. As discussed above, the receiver element 108 is configured for variable positioning along the slot 163 for securing the traction element 102 along the outsole 106 (shown in FIGS. 20A-20G). The spacer element 104A fixes the receiver element 108 at the first proximal position A along the slot 163 by the spacer element 104A. FIG. 6A shows the first configuration 101A of the of the spacer element 104A and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed.

FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B illustrate a second configuration 101B of the system 100 including a second spacer element 104B coupled along the outsole 106 that fixes the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a second proximal position B (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6B shows the second configuration 101B of the spacer element 104B and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed. Similarly, FIGS. 2C, 3C, 4C and 5C illustrate a third configuration 101C of the system 100 including a third spacer element 104C coupled along the outsole 106 that fixes the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a third proximal position C (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6C shows the third configuration 101C of the spacer element 104C and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed. FIGS. 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D illustrate a fourth configuration 101D of the system 100 including a fourth spacer element 104D coupled along the outsole 106 that fixes the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a center position D (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6D shows the fourth configuration 101D of the fourth spacer element 104D and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed.

FIGS. 2E, 3E, 4E and 5E illustrate a fifth configuration 101E of the system 100 including the third spacer element 104C coupled along the outsole 106, but rotated 180 degrees to engage the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a third distal position E (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6E shows the fifth configuration 101E of the spacer element 104C and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed. FIGS. 2F, 3F, 4F and 5F illustrate a sixth configuration 101F of the system 100 including the second spacer element 104B coupled along the outsole 106, but rotated 180 degrees to engage the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a second distal position F (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6F shows the sixth configuration 101F of the spacer element 104B and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed. Finally, FIGS. 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G illustrate a seventh configuration 101G of the system 100 including the spacer element 104A coupled along the outsole 106, but rotated 180 degrees to engage the receiver element 108 and traction element 102 at a first distal position G (FIG. 2H) along the slot 163. FIG. 6G shows the seventh configuration 101G of the spacer element 104A and the receiver element 108 with the outsole 106 removed.

Receiver Element

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, the receiver element 108 defines a planar body 181 and is configured for insertion within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106. The receiver element 108 defines a threaded aperture 182 for receipt of the traction element 102. In some embodiments, the threaded aperture 182 includes a raised portion 186 around the threaded aperture 182 that extends through the slot 163 of the outsole 106 when disposed within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106. The threaded aperture 182 can include a threaded interior surface 183 configured for engagement with the traction element 102 upon coaxial alignment of the traction element 102 with the threaded aperture 182. In some embodiments, the planar body 181 of the receiver element 108 further includes a first side cut 184 and a second side cut 185 defined opposite to the first side cut 184, which couple directly with the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D. Referring to FIG. 19 , the receiver element 108 seats within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106 such that the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108 extends through the slot 163. With additional reference to FIGS. 20A-20G, a position of the receiver element 108 within the slot 163 can be altered by “sliding” the receiver element 108 within the slot 163. The receiver element 108 can couple with the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D to fix the receiver element 108 at the selected position as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6E and 13A-16G.

Traction Element

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, the traction element 102 defines a traction body 121 defining the anchor portion 122 and a traction portion 124, the anchor portion 122 being configured for engagement within the outsole 106 and the traction portion 124 being configured to face away from the outsole 106 for contact with a ground surface (not shown) when in use. The traction body 121 includes a flange 123 that separates the anchor portion 122 from the traction portion 124. The flange 123 is configured to couple with an upper surface 142A, 142B, 142C or 142D (FIGS. 9A-9G) of the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D. In some embodiments, the traction portion 124 defines a generally conical shape and terminates at a point 125 for providing additional traction on a ground surface. In some embodiments, the traction portion 124 includes one or more gripping portions 127 that provide a flat surface for a tool (such as pliers or an appropriately sized wrench) to grip the traction element 102 and remove it from the outsole 106. The anchor portion 122 is configured for engagement with the receiver element 108 and inserts through the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D and the slot 163 of the outsole 106 to couple with the receiver element 108 when the receiver element 108 is disposed within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106. In some embodiments, with additional reference to FIGS. 5A-6E, the anchor portion 122 of the traction element 102 defines a threaded surface 126 for engagement with the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108.

Spacer Elements

Referring to FIGS. 5A-6E and 9A-12G, the system 100 includes the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 that are each configured to fix the receiver element 108 at a different longitudinal position along the slot 163. Selection of the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D enables variable positioning of the receiver element 108 (FIGS. 5A-5G), and consequently the traction element 102 (FIGS. 6A-6G), along the slot 163. In some embodiments, the spacer elements 104A-D are reversible to allow multiple configurations of the system 100; for instance, the spacer element 104A can be used for configuration 101A at the first proximal position A and also for configuration 101G at the first distal position G, the spacer element 104B can be used for configuration 101B at the second proximal position B and configuration 101F at the second distal position F, and the spacer element 104C can be used for configuration 101C at the third proximal position C and the configuration 101E at the third distal position E. As the fourth spacer element 104D is symmetric, the fourth spacer element 104D can be used for configuration 101D at the center position D.

Upper Surfaces and Indicia

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9G, each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D includes an upper surface 142A, 142B, 142C or 142D that defines a traction element aperture 152A, 152B, 152C or 152D for receipt of the traction element 102. In some embodiments, the upper surface 142A, 142B, 142C or 142D includes an indicia 153A, 153B, 153C or 153D that denotes which longitudinal position that each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D represents, such as an orientation of the respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D and a longitudinal position of the traction element aperture 152 152A, 152B, 152C or 152D relative to a center of the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D. For instance, the first spacer element 104A of FIGS. 9A and 9G shows indicia 153A denoting a longitudinal distance of 5.0 mm between a center of the first spacer element 104A and the first traction element aperture 152A. Similarly, the second spacer element 104B of FIGS. 9B and 9F shows indicia 153B denoting a longitudinal distance of 3.0 mm between a center of the second spacer element 104B and the second traction element aperture 152B. Further, the third spacer element 104C of FIGS. 9C and 9E shows indicia 153C denoting a longitudinal distance of 1.5 mm between a center of the third spacer element 104C and the third traction element aperture 152C. In addition, the fourth spacer element 104D of FIG. 9D shows indicia 153D with two arrows denoting that the fourth traction element aperture 152D is oriented at the center of the fourth spacer element 104D. Note that while four spacer elements 104A-D are illustrated at the aforementioned longitudinal distances, any number of spacer elements 104A-1040 can be configured for any longitudinal distance along the slot 163.

Spacer Element Footprints

FIGS. 10A-12G illustrate each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D for each respective configuration 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D, 101E, 101F and 101G shown in FIGS. 2A-2G. Each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D defines a unique “footprint” that fixes or otherwise secures the receiver element 108 at a unique position along the slot 163. As shown, each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D includes a bottom surface 151 that defines a spacer body 141A, 141B, 141C or 141D. In some embodiments, the spacer body 141A, 141B, 141C or 141D is configured to engage the slot 163 of the outsole 106 as well as the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement. Each respective spacer body 141A, 141B, 141C or 141D defines a respective spacer platform 143. In particular, the spacer platform 143 matches the slot 163 of the outsole 106; as such, a general “outline” of the spacer platform 143 can be similar for each respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D, however, as demonstrated in FIGS. 13A-16G, the spacer platform 143 can be “interrupted” at different positions along the spacer platform 143 to accommodate differing positions of the receiver element 108 along the slot 163 and the remainder of the spacer body 141A, 141B, 141C or 141D can vary by spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D. The spacer body 141A, 141B, 141C or 141D is configured to engage at least one of the first side cut 184, the second side cut 185 and the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108.

First Spacer Element

The first spacer element 104A is shown assembled with the outsole 106 in FIGS. 2A, 2G, 3A, 3G, 4A, 4G, 5A, 5G, 17A and 17G, and is shown alone in FIGS. 10A, 10G, 11A, 11G, 12A, and 12G. Engagement of the first spacer element 104A with the receiver element 108 is demonstrated in FIGS. 6A, 6G, 13A, 13G, 14A, 14G, 15A, 15G, 16A and 16G. The first spacer element 104A defines a first spacer body 141A including a first spacer platform 143A that engages the slot 163 formed along the outsole 106 in an interlocking arrangement. As such, the general outline of the spacer platform 143A matches the slot 163, however the first spacer platform 143A is “interrupted” towards one side of the first spacer platform 143A as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10G. As discussed above, the first spacer element 104A is configured to fix or otherwise secure the receiver element 108 at the first proximal position A or the first distal position G (FIG. 2H), depending on the orientation of the first spacer element 104A. The first spacer platform 143A includes a first retainer 144 extending from the first spacer platform 143A configured to engage the first side cut 184 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement. In some embodiments, the first spacer platform 143A includes a first arcuate wall 145 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108. The first spacer element 104A defines the first traction element aperture 152A formed adjacent to the first arcuate wall 145. In comparison to that of the second spacer element 104B, the third spacer element 104C and the fourth spacer element 104D, the first traction element aperture 152A is located at a first distance from a center of the first spacer element 104A, which in some embodiments is 5.0 mm. This configuration allows positioning of the traction element 102 in the first proximal position A or the first distal position G, depending on an orientation of the first spacer element 104A.

Second Spacer Element

The second spacer element 104B is shown assembled with the outsole 106 in FIGS. 2B, 2F, 3B, 3F, 4B, 4F, 5B, 5F, 17B and 17F, and is shown alone in FIGS. 10B, 10F, 11B, 11F, 12B, and 12F. Engagement of the second spacer element 104B with the receiver element 108 is demonstrated in FIGS. 6B, 6F, 13B, 13F, 14B, 14F, 15B, 15F, 16B and 16F. The second spacer element 104B includes a second spacer body 141B which defines a second spacer platform 143B that engages the slot 163 formed along the outsole 106 in an interlocking arrangement. As discussed above, the second spacer element 104B is configured to fix or otherwise secure the receiver element 108 at the second proximal position B or the second distal position F, depending on the orientation of the second spacer element 104B. As such, the general outline of the second spacer platform 143B matches the slot 163, however the second spacer platform 143B is “interrupted” towards one side of the second spacer platform 143B as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10F. In contrast with that of the first spacer element 104A, the second spacer platform 143B defines a first sub-platform 146 and a second sub-platform 149, where the first sub-platform 146 and the second sub-platform 149 are separated by a second traction element aperture 152B. The second spacer platform 143B includes a first retainer 144 that extends from the first sub-platform 146 and is configured to engage the first side cut 184 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 includes a second retainer 147 that extends from the second sub-platform 149 and is configured to engage the second side cut 185 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement. As shown, while the first retainer 144 is a fully circular shape, the second retainer 147 is “cut off” at the outline of the second spacer platform 143B in order to fit within the slot 163.

In some embodiments, the first sub-platform 146 of the second spacer platform 143B includes a first arcuate wall 145 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 of the second spacer platform 143B includes a second arcuate wall 148 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108. The second spacer element 104B defines the second traction element aperture 152B formed between the first arcuate wall 145 and the second arcuate wall 148. The second traction element aperture 152B is located at a second distance from a center of the second spacer element 104B, which in some embodiments is 3.0 mm. This configuration allows positioning of the traction element 102 in the second proximal position B or the second distal position F, depending on an orientation of the second spacer element 104B.

Third Spacer Element

The third spacer element 104C is shown assembled with the outsole 106 in FIGS. 2C, 2E, 3C, 3E, 4C, 4E, 5C, 5E, 17C and 17E, and is shown alone in FIGS. 10C, 10E, 11C, 11E, 12C, and 12E. Engagement of the third spacer element 104C with the receiver element 108 is demonstrated in FIGS. 6C, 6E, 13C, 13E, 14C, 14E, 15C, 15E, 16C and 16E. The third spacer element 104C includes a third spacer body 141C which defines a third spacer platform 143C that engages the slot 163 formed along the outsole 106 in an interlocking arrangement. As discussed above, the third spacer element 104C is configured to fix or otherwise secure the receiver element 108 at the third proximal position C or the third distal position E, depending on the orientation of the third spacer element 104C. As such, the general outline of the third spacer platform 143C matches the slot 163, however the third spacer platform 143C is “interrupted” towards one side of the third spacer platform 143C as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10E. Similar to that of the second spacer element 104B, the third spacer platform 143C defines a first sub-platform 146 and a second sub-platform 149, where the first sub-platform 146 and the second sub-platform 149 are separated by a third traction element aperture 152C. The third spacer platform 143C includes a first retainer 144 that extends from the first sub-platform 146 and is configured to engage the first side cut 184 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 includes a second retainer 147 that extends from the second sub-platform 149 and is configured to engage the second side cut 185 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement. As shown, while the first retainer 144 is a fully circular shape, the second retainer 147 is “cut off” at the outline of the third spacer platform 143C in order to fit within the slot 163, however, note that the second retainer 147 of the third spacer element 104C defines a greater surface area in comparison with that of the second spacer element 104B but less so than with that of the second spacer element 104B.

In some embodiments, the first sub-platform 146 of the third spacer platform 143C includes a first arcuate wall 145 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 of the third spacer platform 143C includes a second arcuate wall 148 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108. The third spacer element 104C defines the third traction element aperture 152C formed between the first arcuate wall 145 and the second arcuate wall 148. The third traction element aperture 152C is located at a third distance from a center of the third spacer element 104C, which in some embodiments is 1.5 mm. This configuration allows positioning of the traction element 102 in the third proximal position C or the third distal position E, depending on an orientation of the third spacer element 104C.

Fourth Spacer Element

The fourth spacer element 104D is shown assembled with the outsole 106 in FIGS. 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D and 17D, and is shown alone in FIGS. 10D, 11D, and 12D. Engagement of the second spacer element 104B with the receiver element 108 is demonstrated in FIGS. 6D, 13D, 14D, 15D and 16D. The fourth spacer element 104D includes a fourth spacer body 141D which defines a fourth spacer platform 143D that engages the slot 163 formed along the outsole 106 in an interlocking arrangement. As discussed above, the fourth spacer element 104D is configured to fix or otherwise secure the receiver element 108 at the central position D, regardless of the orientation of the fourth spacer element 104D. As such, the general outline of the fourth spacer platform 143D matches the slot 163, however the fourth spacer platform 143D is “interrupted” at the center of the fourth spacer platform 143D as shown in FIG. 10D. Similar to that of the second spacer element 104B, the fourth spacer platform 143D defines a first sub-platform 146 and a second sub-platform 149, where the first sub-platform 146 and the second sub-platform 149 are separated by a fourth traction element aperture 152D. The fourth spacer platform 143D includes a first retainer 144 that extends from the first sub-platform 146 and is configured to engage the first side cut 184 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 includes a second retainer 147 that extends from the second sub-platform 149 and is configured to engage the second side cut 185 of the receiver element 108 in an interlocking arrangement. As shown, unlike that of the first, second, and third spacer elements 104A-104C, both the first retainer 144 and the second retainer 147 are a fully circular shape.

In some embodiments, the first sub-platform 146 of the fourth spacer platform 143D includes a first arcuate wall 145 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108; similarly, the second sub-platform 149 of the fourth spacer platform 143D includes a second arcuate wall 148 configured to engage the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108. The fourth spacer element 104D defines the fourth traction element aperture 152D formed between the first arcuate wall 145 and the second arcuate wall 148. The third traction element aperture 152C is located at a center of the fourth spacer element 104D. This configuration allows positioning of the traction element 102 in the central position D, regardless of an orientation of the fourth spacer element 104D.

Outsole

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 17A-20G the outsole 106 is positioned along a substrate 164 of a shoe (not shown) and defines the planar surface 161 and further includes the plurality of pockets 162 for receipt of a respective traction element 102. In particular, as shown in FIG. 18B, each respective pocket 162 defines the slot 163 and the respective elongated cavity 166 within the outsole 106 for receipt of the receiver element 108. In the embodiment shown, in some embodiments, the outsole 106 can define a distal end 168 associated with a “toe-end” of the outsole 106 and a proximal end 169 defined opposite to the distal end 168 and associated with a “heel-end” of the outsole 106. Each respective slot 163 of the outsole 106 can receive a respective spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D (FIGS. 5A-5G) of the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 depending on the preference of the user to provide customizable traction. In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the outsole 106 can be a planar covering that couples along the substrate 164 of a shoe and defines each respective pocket 162. Further, while various embodiments herein show pockets 162 and slots 163 being oriented longitudinally along the outsole 106 for longitudinal micro-adjustment of the position of the traction element 102, note that some embodiments can also include pockets 162 and slots 163 that are oriented laterally along the outsole 106 for lateral micro-adjustment of the position of the traction element 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 17A-18A, the outsole 106 includes a plurality of slots 163A, 163B, 163C and 163D in addition to a plurality of apertures 167 for receipt of one or more traction elements 102 at fixed positions.

Engagement

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, to couple the traction element 102 to the outsole 106, the anchor portion 122 of the traction element 102 must be in coaxial alignment with the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 as well as the traction element aperture 152A, 152B, 152C or 152D of the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D. In some embodiments, to couple the receiver element 108 within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106, a user can place the receiver element 108 within the pocket 162 of the outsole 106 with the raised portion 186 extending through the slot 163, and then couple the outsole 106 to the substrate 164 of a shoe to encapsulate the receiver element 108 within the pocket 162 and against the substrate 164 of the shoe as shown in FIG. 19 . The user can then select an intended position for the traction element 102 along the slot 163 and move the receiver element 108 such that the threaded aperture 182 aligns with the intended position as shown in FIGS. 20A-20G. The user can then select the spacer element 104A (or any of spacer elements 104B-D) configured to secure the receiver element 108 at the intended position and couple the spacer element 104A (104B-D) within the slot 163 such that the first retainer 144 and couples with the first side cut 184 of the receiver element 108 such that the first arcuate wall 145 couples with the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108 as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 13A-16G. In the case of the spacer elements 104B-D, the second retainer 147 couples with the second side cut 185 of the receiver element 108 and the second arcuate wall 148 couples with the raised portion 186 of the receiver element 108. Then, the user can insert the anchor portion 122 of the traction element 102 into the traction element aperture 152 of the spacer element 104A (104B-D) and the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 and rotate the traction element 102 in a first “tightening” clockwise or counterclockwise direction until the flange 123 secures against the spacer element 104A as shown in FIGS. 17A-19 . When assembled, the spacer element 104A (104B-D) and the receiver element 108 are arranged such that a portion of the outsole 106 is “sandwiched” between the spacer element 104A (104B-D) and the receiver element 108 and that the slot 163 is in alignment with the traction element aperture 152 of the spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D and the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108.

In one method of adjusting a position of the traction element 102 within the outsole 106, the user can decouple the traction element 102 from the traction element aperture 152 of the spacer element 104A (104B-D) and the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 by rotating the traction element 102 in a second “loosening” counterclockwise or clockwise direction until the anchor portion 122 disengages from the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 and the user can pull the traction element 102 out of the traction element aperture 152 of the spacer element 104A (104B-D). The user can then remove the spacer element 104A (104B-D) from the slot 163. The user can then re-position the receiver element 108 within the pocket 162 of the outsole to a second selected position along the slot 163 as shown in FIGS. 20A-20G. The user can then select an appropriate spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D of the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 and insert the appropriate spacer element 104A, 104B, 104C or 104D into the slot 163 to fix or otherwise secure the receiver element 108 at the second selected position. The user can then re-couple the traction element 102 within the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 at the second selected position.

While the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040 serve to secure the receiver element 108 at a selected position along the slot 163 of the outsole 106, note that in some embodiments, the system 100 might not need the plurality of spacer elements 104A-1040. The traction element 102 can couple with the receiver element 108 such that the planar body 181 of the receiver element 108 and/or the flange 123 of the traction element 102 couple directly against the planar surface 161 of the outsole 106. This can be achieved through friction; for instance, a user can rotate the traction element 102 within the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 until the flange 123 is completely secure within the threaded aperture 182 of the receiver element 108 and the receiver element 108 and/or the traction element 102 are completely secure against the planar surface 161 of the outsole 106.

As such, the system 100 enables variable placement of the traction element 102 on the outsole 106 of a shoe. An athlete wearing the outsole 106 can customize the placement of each respective traction element 102 within the outsole 106 at a selected position along the respective slot 163 of the outsole 106. In this manner, the athlete can micro-incrementally position each individual traction element 102 at a variable position along the outsole 106 by selecting a preferred spacer element 104A (or 104B-D) for the respective traction element 102. In this arrangement, the system 100 enables the athlete to make micro-adjustments to the locations of each respective traction element 102 to fit their individual preferences and performance results.

It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teachings of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe, comprising: an outsole defining a planar surface and a pocket, wherein the planar surface defines a slot that communicates with the pocket; and a traction element configured for variable positioning along the slot of the outsole.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a receiver element disposed within the pocket and configured for variable positioning along the slot, wherein the receiver element defines a planar body and a threaded aperture through the planar body for receipt of the traction element.
 3. A system, comprising: an outsole defining a planar surface and having a pocket, wherein the planar surface defines a slot that communicates with the pocket; a receiver element configured for variable positioning within the pocket, wherein the receiver element defines a planar body and a threaded aperture defined through the planar body; and a traction element defining a traction portion and an anchor portion, wherein the anchor portion is configured for insertion through the slot of the outsole to couple with the receiver element.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the threaded aperture of the receiver element is configured to receive the anchor portion of the traction element.
 5. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a spacer element defining a traction element aperture and configured to engage the slot of the outsole and the receiver element such that the receiver element is secured within the pocket at a selected position when the spacer element is coupled with the slot of the outsole.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the spacer element defines a spacer body including a spacer platform that is configured to engage the slot.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the spacer platform defines a first retainer extending from the spacer platform and is configured to engage the receiver element.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the spacer platform includes a first sub-platform that defines a first retainer and wherein the spacer platform includes a second sub-platform, the first sub-platform and the second sub-platform being separated by the traction element aperture.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second sub-platform defines a second retainer extending from the second sub-platform and configured to engage the receiver element.
 10. The system of claim 5, wherein the traction element aperture is located at a first distance from a center of the spacer element.
 11. The system of claim 5, wherein the traction element aperture is located at a second distance from a center of the spacer element.
 12. The system of claim 5, wherein the traction element aperture is located at a third distance from a center of the spacer element.
 13. The system of claim 5, wherein the traction element aperture is located at a center of the spacer element.
 14. The system of claim 5, wherein the spacer element is one of a plurality of spacer elements, wherein each spacer element of the plurality of spacer elements are respectively configured to fix the receiver element and the traction element at a different position along the slot of the outsole.
 15. A method for coupling a traction element at a selected position within an outsole of a shoe, comprising: providing a traction element system, comprising: an outsole having a pocket and a planar surface, the planar surface defining a slot that communicates with the pocket; a receiver element positioned within the pocket, wherein the receiver element defines a threaded aperture; a spacer element defining a traction element aperture and configured to engage the slot of the outsole and the receiver element such that the receiver element is fixed within the slot when the spacer element is coupled with the slot of the outsole; and a traction element defining an anchor portion configured for insertion through the traction element aperture of the spacer element and the slot of the outsole to couple with the receiver element; positioning the receiver element at a selected position along the slot; inserting a spacer element into the slot such that the spacer element engages the receiver element and the slot and fixes the receiver element at the selected position along the slot; and coupling the anchor portion of the traction element with the threaded aperture of the receiver element.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting a position of the traction element along the slot.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: decoupling the traction element from the receiver element and the traction element aperture; and removing the spacer element from the slot.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: re-positioning the receiver element to a second selected position along the slot; and coupling a second spacer element with the receiver element and along the slot, the second spacer element being configured to fix the receiver element at the second selected position.
 19. A method for variable positioning of a traction element along an outsole, comprising: providing a traction element system, comprising: an outsole defining a pocket and a planar surface, wherein the planar surface defines a slot that communicates with the pocket; a receiver element disposed within the pocket and configured for variable positioning along the slot, wherein the receiver element defines a planar body and a threaded aperture through the planar body; and a traction element defining a traction portion, an anchor portion and a flange between the anchor portion and the traction portion, wherein the anchor portion is configured for disposal through the slot and for coupling with the receiver element; and coupling the traction element with the receiver element such that the planar body of the receiver element and/or the flange of the traction element couple against the planar surface of the outsole.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: decoupling the traction element from the receiver element and the threaded aperture; re-positioning the receiver element from a first position along the slot to a second position along the slot; and re-coupling the traction element with the receiver element. 